The Solanco cross country teams will honor the program's history while trying to write some of its own. The boys program is celebrating its 50th anniversary while the girls program entered the Lancaster-Lebanon League 35 years ago. "This year’s teams will be prepared to represent our proud tradition," coach Craig Ausel says. The boys team has 24 student-athletes on the roster. "This is a very solid number to start the season," Ausel said. "With only four seniors on the roster, things look very bright for the future. We have enough ninth and 10th graders this season that we will have a junior varsity squad that will participate in several JV invitationals." The Mules also have some star power. "Depth is very important but having upper-class leadership is crucial," Ausel said. Senior captain and two-time league meet medalist Liam Hodgson will pace the Mules. "Liam is in the best shape of his running career because of his preparation this summer," said Ausel. "Probably even more impressive has been Liam’s development as a leader. Liam did an outstanding job this summer organizing 6 a.m. summer runs with a large number of our younger runners. " Solanco will also rely on senior leaders Patrick Sweda, Keith Carnrike, and Dan Riddell. "We as a team are just as proud of the example that these young men set in the classroom as well with Liam, Dan, and Patrick all being members of the SLC National Honor Society," Ausel said. "All four of these returning student-athletes have set a great example for our young squad. A solid group of returning 10th and 11th graders will be competing for scoring positions along with several strong freshmen who have a realistic chance to crack into the top eight." The girls team does not have as many members, but is a talented squad, "When it comes to the tale of the ladies, the story changes a little," Ausel said. "Coming off of a second place finish in the 2014 L-L Championships, our ladies have some very strong runners to score at the top and some young talent as well. We may lack big numbers but we have power up front and some new young talent for the future." Senior Essi Glah-Fisher has been a consistent varsity scorer throughout her career. "We are hoping that Essi has had a strong enough summer to propel her again to Lancaster-Lebanon League All-Star status," Ausel said. Juniors Cortney Johnson and Morgan Perry return in the best shape of their careers", said Ausel. "Morgan and Cortney ran lots of miles this summer and were very influential in organizing our summer practices for the younger ladies," the coach said. Cortney is coming off a fantastic sophomore season. She was the L-L League Championship runner-up, a PIAA District 3 medalist (11th) and PIAA State Championship qualifier. "Cortney is a great leader on and off the cross country course," Ausel said. "Morgan will also challenge the very best ladies in the L-L League." She is a two-time L-L All-Star and two-time league medalist. "Her hard work and dedication to Solanco cross country continues to pay great dividends" Ausel said. The coach said newcomer, Cristen Esposito, who has competed in track, "should be very helpful to our scoring efforts. " Denise Brennaman, Autumn Boxlietner, Abbey Nelson, and Eniyah Brown-Moore will compete for scoring positions. Promising freshmen Aubree Roop, Hannah Wheeler, and Casey Weder have all had success at the junior high level. Comments are closed.
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